Internet Browser Extensions à la carte

OK, so they’re obviously not food, but it’s the same concept. In layman’s terms, internet browser extensions allow you to enhance the performance of your web browser (i.e. Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox), by integrating the other services you use. (i.e. Pinterest, Facebook, StumbleUpon, etc.) Click here for a more detailed explanation.

Still confused? Basically, they’re add-on features that make it easy to use your favorite services with just the click of a button.

I’ll take productivity with a side of multi-tasking…

Everybody uses extensions for different reasons. Personally, I use them to multi-task while I share other blogger’s content and schedule my own. I know there’s a lot of controversy over multi-tasking and whether or not it’s an effective way to be productive. (I could write a whole post on this―and probably will―to show you the pros and cons from both points of view.) However, I’ve increased my level of productivity dramatically by adding just three specific extensions to my browser and using them exclusively in my daily tasks.

Check it out. For the sake of cleanliness I’ve blocked out my bookmarks bar, but if you use Google Chrome, this is where your extensions will be stored.

Pinterest Extension

Pinterest is a must-have for bloggers. But like many aspects of growth, you have to give in order to receive. That’s why you need to be pinning other’s content daily. Part of my routine is linking up to blog hops and then interacting with a minimum of 3 links per party. I choose links that are mostly relevant to my niche, with a few personal interests sprinkled in here and there.

After I’ve left a comment, I hit the Pin It extension button. This automatically populates the images on the page and I can choose one that is optimally sized to pin. I always try to choose the tallest image, because as you may know, tall pins convert well on Pinterest.

This extension eliminates the need of having to search for a Pinterest sharing button. A lot of people add Pin It buttons directly to their images. But some don’t, and I want to be able to pin their stuff too. I also like that by using the extension I can pick the image that is optimally sized for Pinterest, since some people don’t always have it readily available. This makes it easy to do it the right way in a matter of seconds.

StumbleUpon Extension

I just love to stumble. Unfortunately I don’t have much free time to do it. That’s why I use the extension, and I’ll let you in on a little secret. I use StumbleUpon and Pinterest exclusively. Meaning I don’t use one without the other. Why? Because that’s how dynamic they both are for your site traffic.

So, after I’ve used the Pin It extension and saved the optimally sized image to my board, I click the stumble extension. (Or the thumbs up if the toolbar is already activated.) The thumb will either turn orange or prompt you to add the page. I don’t mind taking an extra moment to add the page because I know how important it is when other people add your content. I’ve personally seen an exponential increase in the amount of traffic I get when somebody else adds my page versus when I add my own. That’s why I’ve virtually stopped adding my own pages and just stumble others.

Buffer Extension

Buffer is the platform I use to schedule shares. After I’ve stumbled the post, I click the buffer extension. A popup appears that allows me to edit the text and choose which platforms I want to share to. I only use the extension to schedule tweets because I like to have more control over what I share on Facebook and Google +. The nice thing about Buffer is that it automatically adds a link shortener, which is great since Twitter only allows limited characters. Just click add to queue and you’re good to go.

This whole process literally takes me maybe a minute and a half.

Think about that. Pin, stumble and tweet in less than two minutes. I can’t afford NOT to use these extensions.

I just downloaded Evernote to keep track of future blog posts, but I’m such a sap for the ol’ “note” app. I’ve increased my productivity dramatically with these. Pinterest and buffer are my most used I think. <3

I can’t use browser extensions with iPad but there is a dropdown where installed apps can be accessed in the same way. They are a lifesaver! Pinned and shared! Thanks for partying at #overthemoon! Have a lovely Easter

Great ideas. I only have the Pinterest button but don’t use it very often. You make it sound much easier than pinning it off the post itself. I need to get the stumble upon one for sure. I haven’t dived into scheduling but know I’ll have to eventually so thanks for the recommendation!